Passengers may walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 both land-side (prior to clearing security) and air-side. The distance can be considerable; make sure to allow adequate time for layovers between different terminals. United Airlines also runs an air-side shuttle bus between its gates in Terminal 2 and Terminal 1.

+

Passengers may walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 both land-side (prior to clearing security) and air-side. The distance can be considerable; make sure to allow adequate time for layovers between different terminals. United Airlines also runs an air-side shuttle bus between its gates in Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, and American Airlines operates an air-side shuttle bus between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 for international travelers.

===Airport Transit System===

===Airport Transit System===

Line 120:

Line 120:

* '''Johnny Rockets''', airport version of the retro-diner/soda fountain hamburger chain in Terminal 2. Mixed reviews compared to a real standalone JR, but it's a change of pace from a fast-food burger.

* '''Johnny Rockets''', airport version of the retro-diner/soda fountain hamburger chain in Terminal 2. Mixed reviews compared to a real standalone JR, but it's a change of pace from a fast-food burger.

* '''La Tapenade''', A Mediterranean-themed café that offers flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps and grilled panini sandwiches. There's also a full bar and an assortment of dessert pastries. As a bonus, it's located in three different terminals as well. (Terminals 1, 2, and 3; Gates B4, E9, F20, and H14)

===Splurge===

===Splurge===

Line 125:

Line 126:

* '''Romano's Macaroni Grill''', in Terminal 3 gate K3, has entrées priced mostly in the $10-$16 range, topping out at $28 for high-end steak meals. Food is of good quality, comparable to the standalone Macaroni Grill restaurants, though is a little more oily than standard Italian fare.

* '''Romano's Macaroni Grill''', in Terminal 3 gate K3, has entrées priced mostly in the $10-$16 range, topping out at $28 for high-end steak meals. Food is of good quality, comparable to the standalone Macaroni Grill restaurants, though is a little more oily than standard Italian fare.

* '''Wolfgang Puck''', 5AM-10PM daily, in Terminals 1 and 3 has an extremely limited menu to compensate for demand and limited preparation space. It's overpriced and not tasty enough to justify the price, but if you're on an expense account, go for it.

* '''Wolfgang Puck''', 5AM-10PM daily, in Terminals 1 and 3 has an extremely limited menu to compensate for demand and limited preparation space. It's overpriced and not tasty enough to justify the price, but if you're on an expense account, go for it.

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* '''Wicker Park''', in Terminal 2 is a sushi restaurant for those who aren't overly picky about their sushi. Its location is a great place to people watch and they have power outlets located at some of the seats.

* '''Publican Tavern''', One Off Hospitality Group has brought a miniature version of their beloved Publican brand to O’Hare and it’s been a huge success. The bar features 10 draft beers alongside craft bottles and cans from lower brewers such as Half Acre. Guests can pair them with signature bites ported over from the Publican menus, including pork rinds, a pub burger, and Slagel Family Farm roasted chicken. (Terminal 3; Gate K1)

* '''Publican Tavern''', One Off Hospitality Group has brought a miniature version of their beloved Publican brand to O’Hare and it’s been a huge success. The bar features 10 draft beers alongside craft bottles and cans from lower brewers such as Half Acre. Guests can pair them with signature bites ported over from the Publican menus, including pork rinds, a pub burger, and Slagel Family Farm roasted chicken. (Terminal 3; Gate K1)

* '''Wicker Park Sushi Bar''', This sushi bar has nothing to do with the Wicker Park neighborhood, as HMSHost management discovered customers responded well to the name. The 104-seat restaurant with sushi bar gives travelers the option of enjoying nigiri, sashimi, maki and specialty rolls. The full bar also serves sake, shochu, and it also has a sushi takeaway counter. (Terminal 2)

* '''Wicker Park Sushi Bar''', This sushi bar has nothing to do with the Wicker Park neighborhood, as HMSHost management discovered customers responded well to the name. The 104-seat restaurant with sushi bar gives travelers the option of enjoying nigiri, sashimi, maki and specialty rolls. The full bar also serves sake, shochu, and it also has a sushi takeaway counter. (Terminal 2)

Line 137:

Line 137:

* '''Prairie Tap''', 6AM-10PM daily, in Terminal 3.

* '''Prairie Tap''', 6AM-10PM daily, in Terminal 3.

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+

* '''Beaudevin''', 6AM-9PM daily, in Terminal 1

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

Line 146:

Line 148:

===Budget===

===Budget===

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Cheap hotels near O'Hare tend to be cheap for a reason — don't be shy about asking to see the room first.

* <sleep name="Aloft O'Hare" alt="" address="9700 Balmoral Avenue, Rosemont" directions="" phone="+1 847 671-4444" email="" fax="" url="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3124" price="Rooms from $89"> Newer budget-minded imprint of the W. Styled to be young and trendy, the hotel actually offers a ton of the same great amenities of the pricier Starwood properties. Swanky bar, cool design, and great entertainment set-up in each room.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Aloft O'Hare" alt="" address="9700 Balmoral Avenue, Rosemont" directions="" phone="+1 847 671-4444" email="" fax="" url="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3124" price="Rooms from $89"> Newer budget-minded imprint of the W. Styled to be young and trendy, the hotel actually offers a ton of the same great amenities of the pricier Starwood properties. Swanky bar, cool design, and great entertainment set-up in each room.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Best Western At O'Hare" alt="" address="10300 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont" directions="" phone="+1 847 296-4471" email="" fax="" url="http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=14092" price="Rooms from $130"> The rooms are a little dingy and the internet was spotty at last check, but it's not bad. Has a sports bar and a diner on-site.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Best Western At O'Hare" alt="" address="10300 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont" directions="" phone="+1 847 296-4471" email="" fax="" url="http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=14092" price="Rooms from $130"> The rooms are a little dingy and the internet was spotty at last check, but it's not bad. Has a sports bar and a diner on-site.</sleep>

O'Hare International Airport[32] (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD) is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world. It serves the city of Chicago and the rest of the Chicagoland area, with connecting flights to smaller cities throughout the Midwest.

This is no Changi, no Kansai; in other words, it's nobody's favorite airport. O'Hare is huge, but it's from an era before airports had much in the way of amenities, and it's been stretched beyond capacity for a while now. Although safety has never been a concern, O'Hare has one of the worst on-time records of any major airport. However, many of the world's airlines fly though O'Hare, so international travelers and those making transfers aren't likely to have much of a choice. Those travelling to the area can use Chicago's Midway or Milwaukee's General Mitchell International (connected to the Loop via the Amtrak Hiawatha [33] train service). Alternatively, travelers may consider the Airport Express [34] operated by Coach USA/Wisconsin Coach Lines, connecting General Mitchell International, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and points in-between.

O'Hare has four passenger terminals. Terminals 1-3 handle domestic traffic (and some international departures); Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals and international departures that are not covered by Terminals 1-3. (Terminal 4 is something of a fnord, its temporary space since re-appropriated as the shuttle bus depot; the name has been set aside for potential future expansion).

United Airlines has a significant presence at O'Hare, since its corporate offices are located in downtown Chicago. O'Hare is also a major hub for American Airlines. As such, a rule of thumb is that Terminal 1 is dominated by United and its alliance partners; Terminal 3 is given over to American and its partners, and Terminal 2 is everybody else, plus some United Express gates that wouldn't fit in Terminal 1. More precisely:

The CTA Blue Line[35] terminates at the space-age station for O'Hare, designed by the firm of architect Helmut Jahn. Trains run 24 hours a day, as frequently as every six minutes during peak periods and as infrequently as every half-hour overnight. The trip to the Loop should take about 48 minutes, but never cut things close with the CTA. The station is located beneath the Bus/Shuttle Center, closest to Terminal 2 but easily accessible by underground passages, with moving walkways, from Terminals 1 and 3. Those arriving at or departing from Terminal 5 (international) must take the automated Airport Transit System between Terminals 2 and 5.

Metra[36] North Central Service trains stop at the "O'Hare transfer" station, located adjacent to parking lot F (with shuttle bus service connecting to the ATS). The train reaches Chicago's Union Station in approximately 30 minutes, but service is infrequent, operates only on weekdays and is concentrated in the peak commute direction.

Most taxis offer a fixed rate for the O'Hare trip from the Near North or the Loop. The price will vary from other locations, but shouldn't exceed $30 from the city center or anywhere on the North or West Side; parts of the South Side may be more expensive. If you are traveling to the suburbs, it's cheaper to take a O'hare Taxi Services[38] to the suburbs.

Of the many shuttle/limo services, Airport Express[39] vans are the most commonly seen doing the rounds of downtown hotel pick-ups. Fares are $27/19/14 (per person) for one/two/three or more, with a discount for a return ticket if bought in advance and lower fares for children under 14.

Access to O'Hare's terminals is via I-190, which originates near the interchange between I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway) and I-90 (the Northwest Tollway to the northwest and the Kennedy Expressway to the east). From downtown Chicago, follow I-90/94 northwest, continue on I-90 when I-94 splits off, then follow I-190 into the airport, which splits eventually into arrival (lower-level) and departure (upper-level) roadways serving Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in turn. For Terminal 5, exit on Bessie Coleman Drive. This exit also serves numerous rental car companies and the economy parking lots. To drop off a passenger without the harrowing experience of navigating the departures roadway, try Kiss n'Fly: follow signs for remote lot E where you can leave your friend at the terminus of the Airport Transit System, just a short ride away from the terminals.

Most major car rental companies have gigantic lots at O'Hare and offer complimentary shuttle buses to and from the passenger terminals.

O'Hare runs a parking hotline (+1 773 686-7530) and broadcasts parking information on 800 AM within two and a half miles of the airport. Needless to say, then, parking at O'Hare is no simple affair. If you're the sort of person who likes to meet friends at baggage claim with a cordial "Come on, run with those bags!" you'll be glad to know that parking in the main garage is free for stays of under 10 minutes. For the rest of us...

Level one of the main garage (lot A) is designated for short-term parking, charging $2 for the first hour, and $4 for stays of up to three hours. But keep an eye on the clock, as a fourth hour sees the rate jump to $21, and it doesn't take long to reach the $50/day maximum. Other lots (under long-term, below) also charge $2 for the first hour, but rates increase faster, and as they are further away from the terminals, this option really only benefits you if the hourly parking area is full.

Lot D, adjacent to Terminal 5, also offers short-term parking: $2 for an hour, $6 for two hours.

A portion of remote lot F is now the cell phone lot where you can park for free and wait in your car for an arriving passenger to call your cell phone, at which point you can pick up your friend curbside without circling endlessly. Shuttle buses run from lot F to E.

Passengers may walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 both land-side (prior to clearing security) and air-side. The distance can be considerable; make sure to allow adequate time for layovers between different terminals. United Airlines also runs an air-side shuttle bus between its gates in Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, and American Airlines operates an air-side shuttle bus between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 for international travelers.

O'Hare has an automated, land-side, transit system cleverly called Airport Transit System or ATS. Stops are made at all four terminals as well as at remote parking lot E. This is the only way to reach the three domestic terminals and the Blue Line station from the international terminal, which means that passengers connecting to or from a Terminal 5 flight should allow abundant time for border formalities, inter-terminal transit, and a second security screening. There is no charge for the use of the ATS.

O'Hare doesn't have much in the way of amenities, but there are a few:

O'Hare in the movies
Scenic beauty it ain't, but O'Hare does have a cinematic legacy. For example, in the first two "Home Alone" movies, the McAllister family departed for Paris and Miami in American Airlines' Terminal 3. If you feel like playing with a TalkBoy, chasing a man in a Burberry coat, or running on to the jetway of your flight moments before you leave, here's the place.

Brachiosaurus skeleton, (Terminal 1, Concourse B). Airports are big affairs with large budgets, but only a few can boast a complete dinosaur skeleton. And not just any skeleton, but that of one of the largest animals ever to walk the earth. The Brachiosaurus cast skeleton is in Terminal 1's Concourse B indefinitely as part of a promotional agreement between the airport and the Field Museum in Near South. It originally stood in Stanley Field Hall at the museum and its construction was financed in large part by the contributions of over 6,000 individuals, schools and companies. It's certainly worth a look if you are in the terminal, and don't worry — you can't miss it.edit

Butch O'Hare's fighter plane. A replica of the F3F-4 fighter plane flown by the airport's namesake hangs in the main hall of Terminal 2.edit

There are three family/companion restrooms in Terminal 2, and one in Terminal 3.

Interfaith Chapel, Terminal 2, ☎+1 773 686-2636, [1]. The chapel is open 24 hours. If flight delays are making you question your faith, then head right over. There are chaplains for Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims during office hours, M-F 8AM-2:30PM.edit

Kids Play interactive exhibits are located in Terminal 2 ("Kids on the Fly") and Terminal 5 ("Play It Safe"), operated by the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier. They're open during airport hours.

If you just can't wait, there are HeartSave defibrillators (+1 773 462-7283) in all four terminals, intended to be within a minute's reach from any point in the airport.

The U.S.O. has a center in front of security for active, reserve, and retired military personnel in Terminal 2, above the Delta Ticket Counter, on the Mezzanine level (Open 24 hours) For more information call +1 773-686-7396. Navy recruits reporting to Recruit Training Command go here.

There isn't much good to say about food at O'Hare. You'll pay more than you should for meals you won't remember anything about. Nevertheless, there are plenty of places to eat. A full list can be found on the O'Hare website [40].

Sky Bridge, 5AM-9PM daily, is run by Greeks and serves gyros, kebabs, and some other Greek fare along with the basic burger and dog. A step up for the usual fast food joint, most meats here aren't cooked until you order. Terminal 2, near F9.

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 6AM-9:30PM daily, serves beer, steaks, and cheeseburgers in Terminal 1. For the sake of any locals who might be around, travelers should take it as a given that everyone has already heard their John Belushi impression, thanks.

Chili's, 5:30AM-9PM daily, serves a limited version of their burgers-and-pasta menu in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Johnny Rockets, airport version of the retro-diner/soda fountain hamburger chain in Terminal 2. Mixed reviews compared to a real standalone JR, but it's a change of pace from a fast-food burger.

La Tapenade, A Mediterranean-themed café that offers flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps and grilled panini sandwiches. There's also a full bar and an assortment of dessert pastries. As a bonus, it's located in three different terminals as well. (Terminals 1, 2, and 3; Gates B4, E9, F20, and H14)

The Berghoff, 5:15AM-10:30PM daily, in Terminal 1, is the airport outpost of a historic Loop German restaurant (since the 1890s), offering bratwurst and a small part of the main location's menu.

Romano's Macaroni Grill, in Terminal 3 gate K3, has entrées priced mostly in the $10-$16 range, topping out at $28 for high-end steak meals. Food is of good quality, comparable to the standalone Macaroni Grill restaurants, though is a little more oily than standard Italian fare.

Wolfgang Puck, 5AM-10PM daily, in Terminals 1 and 3 has an extremely limited menu to compensate for demand and limited preparation space. It's overpriced and not tasty enough to justify the price, but if you're on an expense account, go for it.

Publican Tavern, One Off Hospitality Group has brought a miniature version of their beloved Publican brand to O’Hare and it’s been a huge success. The bar features 10 draft beers alongside craft bottles and cans from lower brewers such as Half Acre. Guests can pair them with signature bites ported over from the Publican menus, including pork rinds, a pub burger, and Slagel Family Farm roasted chicken. (Terminal 3; Gate K1)

Wicker Park Sushi Bar, This sushi bar has nothing to do with the Wicker Park neighborhood, as HMSHost management discovered customers responded well to the name. The 104-seat restaurant with sushi bar gives travelers the option of enjoying nigiri, sashimi, maki and specialty rolls. The full bar also serves sake, shochu, and it also has a sushi takeaway counter. (Terminal 2)

'Tocco, As part of the Terminal 5 overhaul, this Wicker Park Italian eatery has an outpost at O'Hare. The modern-design restaurant dishes out Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas alongside an assortment of trattoria fare including pastas and salads. Get a fresh taste of Italy, even if it's not your final destination. (Terminal 5; Gate M7)

Many hotels serving O'Hare are actually located in the nearby suburbs of Rosemont and Schiller Park, among others. They tend to be nice, clean, bland, and expensive. Amenities are fairly standard, with an eye toward business travelers. Virtually all hotels run shuttles to and from the airport. Some run on a schedule and do regular pick-ups, while others have to be called from the airport concierge. Shuttle stops are clearly sign-posted. Make sure the shuttle is going to your specific hotel — Marriott, for example, runs separate shuttles for each of its brands. A taxi should cost $10-15 at the most.

O'Hare is well known for weather issues that cause flights to be canceled, particularly in the winter and summer months. If you get stuck at O'Hare and need a hotel room for the night there is a service, Airport Accommodations, that provides discounted rates at full service hotels in the airport area that provide free shuttle service. Call their 24/7 customer service center at ☎ +1 800 935-5995 and they will help you find a room in the airport area. They do not charge for their services.

If you're driving to a hotel, get on I-190, the small expressway that operates to/from the airport. Most hotels are clustered on Mannheim Road or River Road, which have exits from the expressway, or off roads that connect with Mannheim going north (Higgins, Touhy) or south (Irving Park). I-190 merges with I-90/94, which heads to the center of Chicago.

Aloft O'Hare, 9700 Balmoral Avenue, Rosemont, ☎+1 847 671-4444, [7]. Newer budget-minded imprint of the W. Styled to be young and trendy, the hotel actually offers a ton of the same great amenities of the pricier Starwood properties. Swanky bar, cool design, and great entertainment set-up in each room.Rooms from $89. edit

Best Western At O'Hare, 10300 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, ☎+1 847 296-4471, [9]. The rooms are a little dingy and the internet was spotty at last check, but it's not bad. Has a sports bar and a diner on-site.Rooms from $130. edit

Embassy Suites Chicago O'Hare/Rosemont, 5500 N River Rd, Rosemont, ☎+1 847 678-4000, [13]. About one mile from the airport.Rooms as low as $119, but reservations can be difficult to get. edit

Four Points by Sheraton, 10249 W Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, ☎+1 800 323-1239, [14]. Lounge, restaurant, pool, and the rest. For travelers who like to cut it close, shuttles run to O'Hare every 20 minutes, 24 hours per day.Rooms from $155. edit

Wyndham O'Hare, 6810 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, ☎+1 847 297-1234, [22]. Just five minutes from the O'Hare International Airport. Among the standard amenities is one you don't find everywhere: a kosher kitchen.Rooms from $159. edit

If you're going to spend a lot of money on a hotel and you plan to be in town for more than one night, you'll have a much better time in downtown Chicago. That said, these hotels are big and do a lot of business.

Chicago Hilton O'Hare, O'Hare Intl Airport, PO Box 66414, Chicago, ☎+1 773 686-8000, [23]. The only hotel located on-site at the airport, in Terminal 2 (close to the CTA Blue Line), with more than 850 rooms and sound-resistant windows.Rooms from $299. edit

Holiday Inn Select, 10233 West Higgins Rd, Rosemont, ☎+1 847 954-8600, [28]. One mile from the airport, this hotel has won the Torch Bearer award for excellent customer service and quality two years in a row Rooms from $95. edit